If you are a young aspiring professional looking for the right opportunity to launch your career, you’re likely to have come across the fellowship vs internship dilemma.
While many people use the two terms interchangeably, there are stark differences between a fellowship and an internship.
In this article, we’ll explain to you what a fellowship is and what an internship is, and how they differ from each other.
Basically, the essence of both fellowships and internships is to offer professional experiences, but they largely vary in their respective focus areas and who their target audience is. To get a better in-depth understanding of the difference between an internship and a fellowship, it is important to first clearly understand what each of them are.
Fellowship
So, what exactly is a fellowship?
A fellowship is a merit-based financial awards given to individuals to pursue independent research or studies in a specific field. Fellowships are practically scholarships with a focus on professional development through research or creative projects.
In a fellowship, the candidate partakes in an advanced study and research in a particular field. Most fellowship participants are often graduate students pursuing their master’s or Ph.D. or experienced professionals. Their fellowship award typically covers their living and daily expenses through a stipend which is given for the period of the program.
Fellowship awardees also have the freedom to independently work on the proposed project without strict schedules or supervision.
As this is a merit-based program, they are usually highly competitive. Applications also entail thorough research with a proposal outlining the project’s goals and modus operandi. Candidates must submit their academic performance records, letters of recommendations and a strong application statement.
Internship
What is an internship? How does it differ from a fellowship?
Internships are short-term work opportunities for freshers looking to gain experience in a corporate or professional work setup and to explore their career options. Companies hire interns by offering them an opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, develop their skills and to apply their knowledge in a real project.
Internships are usually pursued by fresh graduates, professionals with no experience or by students during their academic breaks/holidays. Many colleges and universities incorporate internships as part of their curriculum.
While there are instances of unpaid internships, most internships these days offer a stipend to cover for day-to-day expenses. For interns still pursuing their degree programs, they also receive academic credits based on their performances.
Like any professionals, interns are supervised by their reporting managers who assign them tasks that contribute to the team’s goals.
To apply for internships, candidates usually apply through an online portal by submitting their resume and cover letter. Final selection is usually done through interviews.
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Difference Between Fellowship and Internship: Summary
So now that you’ve understood what both are, let’s see the key fellowship and internship differences. We’ve summarised the differences of fellowship vs internship using the table below:
| Feature | Fellowship | Internship |
| Focus | Advanced study and research | Practical work experience |
| Target Audience | Graduate students, experienced professionals | Students (undergraduate, graduate, high school in some cases) |
| Compensation | Stipend | Stipend, academic credit, or both (sometimes unpaid) |
| Structure | Independent work on proposed project | Supervised work contributing to organisational goals |
| Application Process | Competitive; research proposal, academic record required | Competitive; resume, cover letter required + interview |
While the difference between an internship and fellowship is clear, some of you may still be unsure of what could be the right step for you. Ultimately, your choice depends on where you stand currently and what your goals are.
If you’re a student or fresher who just wants to explore the right role for them or you just want some corporate experience, then an internship would make sense for you. But if you’re a graduate student or a professional looking to gain expertise in a specific research area, then a fellowship might be the right fit. Whatever you choose, internship vs fellowship, both will put you in a position to succeed in your career. Make sure you think it through and be clear about what you want eventually. All the best!
FAQs on Fellowship vs Internship
Q1. What is the primary difference between an internship and a fellowship?
Ans: The primary difference between an internship and a fellowship is the area of focus: internships offer practical work experience, while fellowships focus on advanced research or study.
Q2. What is the purpose of a fellowship?
Ans: Fellowships integrate you in an advanced study and research, usually by providing a stipend while you focus on your project.
Q3. Are fellowships and internships typically paid opportunities?
Ans: Today, most fellowships and internships are typically paid opportunities.
Q4. How do fellowship and internship experiences contribute differently to one’s career trajectory?
Ans: Fellowships help build expertise in a specific area through research and they are usually pursued by established professionals or grad students.
Whereas internships help gain practical skills and experience in a professional field. Most students who are exploring career options can pursue internships.
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